Frank Darabont’s The Green Mile is a poignant and haunting adaptation of Stephen King‘s novel of the same name. Set in a 1930s Mississippi prison, the film tells the story of Paul Edgecomb (Tom Hanks), a correctional officer who discovers a mysterious inmate named John Coffey (Michael Clarke Duncan).
Coffey, a towering Black man, is accused of a horrific crime, but Edgecomb and his fellow guards soon realize that he possesses extraordinary powers. As Coffey’s innocence becomes apparent, the guards grapple with their own mortality and the injustice of the world.
The film is a masterclass in storytelling, with stunning performances, breathtaking cinematography, and a powerful emotional core. Hanks delivers a career-best performance as the empathetic and compassionate Edgecomb, while Duncan gives a truly iconic portrayal of Coffey, a gentle giant with a heart of gold.
David Morse, Bonnie Hunt, Sam Rockwell, Barry Pepper and James Cromwell all appear in supporting roles.
Tom Hanks and Michael Clarke Duncan in The Green Mile (Photo/Warner Bros.)
Reception for The Green Mile
The Green Mile opened with $18.017 million, good enough for second place at the box office behind another Hanks vehicle, Toy Story 2 ($18.25 million) in its fourth weekend and ahead of The World is Not Enough ($6.2 million) starring Pierce Brosnan as 007 James Bond.
The Green Mile would go on to gross $136.8 million domestically and $286.8 million worldwide and currently sits at No. 3 on the all-time list of King’s films at the box office, trailing on It (327.5 million) and It: Chapter Two ($211.6 million).
The film was nominated for four Academy Awards: Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor for Duncan, Best Sound, and Best Adapted Screenplay.
Lasting Legacy
The Green Mile is a film that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll. Its exploration of themes such as faith, hope, and the nature of good and evil is both profound and thought-provoking. It’s a testament to the power of cinema to move and inspire audiences, and it remains one of the greatest films of all time.
